Ryan Taylor admit Newcastle United's signing of James Perch felt like a "kick in the teeth".
Taylor, who scored when he came on as sub for Perch in the 4-3 Carling Cup victory at Chelsea, is desperate for a first league start this season when the Magpies visit Manchester City today.
On the signing of Perch, who played under Newcastle No.2 Colin Calderwood at Nottingham Forest, Taylor confessed: "He had worked with Colin so he knew what he was capable of.
"Yeah, it was a little kick in the teeth. I was hoping to start the season.
"Now things aren't at an all-time high. We've lost here against Blackpool and Stoke. We should be picking up six points from those games.
"I'll just keep plugging away. There's only so much I can do without getting too frustrated and maybe losing my head a bit.
"I would love a chance - I'm a bit frustrated. I'm just dying to get out there and play. Hopefully, I'll get that chance this weekend.
"There's only so long you can keep going. When I play, I feel as though I'm doing okay - two goals in my last two games in the Carling Cup - and I don't seem to even get a sniff.
"The competition for places is always going to be tough here but I train well and try to do my best when I play. Then, when it comes to league games, it seems all the hard work is going unnoticed.
"There will come a time this season when, if things aren't going my way, I will have to look at other options. I'm 26 and all I want to do is play.''